Family: The Ties That Bond PT 2.
08 Dec 2020LilliSWE
As we set off for our destination, Mira sends out a communication to her contact. I question the loyalty of this "Federal" contact, but she assures me this isn't about Federal-Imperial issues."Hello Gizmo, I assume that you're calling in reference to Mara? Well, I have some dire news for you. If you're planning on getting her, you need to make it fast. The Federal authorities have issued a kill warrant on her. Seems the Feds didn't take too kindly to her abandoning her post and raiding a Federal armory using her damn credentials. I have transferred the permit required to enter the Van Maanen's Star system. Head to O'Conner City and look for the Holy Temple. Good Journey."
With the system star in sights, we enter the permit credentials to gain access. Our next target is O'Conner City starport. I set the auto-pilot to get us there while I go check on Mira. As I walk into the cargo bay, I see her loading her sidearm. "Are you prepping for a shootout, I ask?" "Can never be too prepared. These are religious zealots after all." I guess I'll carry a sidearm as well. The auto-pilot then informs me of our arrival and station security is asking for credentials. I head back to the helm and transmit the proper authorization. They respond with permission to land on pad o7.
As we exit the docking bay, the foreground is filled with the shiny silver glare of the Holy Temple of Van Maanen's Star. The ominous structure is intimidating at first sight, but I can't let that deter me from my mission. We approach the stairs leading to the temple gates. The common grounds are littered with robed cultists conversing with each other. I feel them staring at me. We walk through the gate and are approached by what appears to be a leader.
"Greetings little sisters. My name is Divine Galen Elliot. Are you searching for enlightenment within the Sublime Order?"
Mira responds. "A member of yours, her name is Mara Jade, reached out to us. She said the Order can help us reach enlightenment during our dark days of turmoil. We have come to express our wishes to join her. May we speak with her?"
"Oh yes. Mara is one of our newest sisters. She is currently in the Water Gardens praying with her Elders. You may speak with her, but keep it brief as she has her public time-restricted. When you have finished speaking with her, you may return to me and we can speak about your initiation."
We head down the hallway leading to the gardens. Mira advises me that we should be ready to shoot our way out. These fools are not going to be too keen on outsiders kidnapping one of their members. She's my sister and she's been brainwashed. I'm not kidnapping her, I'm rescuing her.
As we walk through the opening to the Water Gardens, my eyes widened at the sight I am looking at. My disrobed sister on her knees while these 3 "elders" whip her. "Mira, I can't watch it. Let's do this!" My adrenaline and rage take over and I start shooting at the Elders. I manage to wound all 3 of them. My sister jumps. I quickly run to her and cover her up. "Mara, it's your sister Lilli. I'm here to rescue you. We need to leave NOW!" She's extremely hesitant and resistant. Mira, with little hesitation, knocks her out. "I'm sorry Lilli. We don't have time to fight with her. Let's get the hell out of here." Mira flips her over her shoulder and we shoot the lock to open the back gates to the Temple. We head as fast as we can towards the docking bay. As we approach the ship, we notice the cultists are now flowing out of the Temple towards the bay after us. Station security attempts to shoot at us, but my leadfoot plows through the mailslot, taking minimal damage from the station guns. "Go make sure your sister is ok. I will get us back to Ogoni, Mira states."
I head to my cabin where we placed my sister. As I walk in, I see her standing up facing the window. She turns around and looks me in the eyes.
"Is it over? Am I finally free from that nightmare?"
Yes, Mara, you are free from them. You never need to fear falling back into that nightmare again. I'm going to look after you from now on. She asks me who I am. With a smile on my face, I proceed to explain.
My name is Admiral Lilli Lindholm. I am Fleet Admiral of the Imperial Navy sworn to Nova Imperium. I am your biological sister. We were separated at birth. You are in fact, an Imperial born citizen. The Federation has put a kill warrant on you for abandoning your post and using your Federal credentials to raid a supply depot. We are taking you to my mansion in Ogoni.
"I can't...I don't understand. This is good news, I assume. I always knew I had a sister out there. Thank you for rescuing me. I wanted to get out, but I couldn't. If it's ok with you, I want to catch up on some rest before we get to my new home."
She gives me a big hug and lies down on the bed and goes to sleep. I close the door and head back to the helm to speak with Mira.
Mira, thank you for all you've done. Is there any way I can repay you? She replies, "Yes, allow me to enlist in your fleet. I need a new job." I happily grant her wish as we continue our journey home.